Head to head: Collingwood 93 wins, Hawthorn 55 wins
Last time: Hawthorn 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 11.10 (76), round 16, 2009 at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Collingwood
Brad Dick (shoulder) - 4-5 weeks
Ben Johnson (knee) - test
Heath Shaw (back) - test
Ben Sinclair (shins) - 1-3 weeks
Josh Thomas (calf) - 1-3 weeks
Hawthorn
Max Bailey (knee) - indefinite
Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) - test
Lance Franklin (suspension) - 1 week
Josh Gibson (hamstring) - 12 weeks
Rhan Hooper (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Jordan Lewis (concussion) - test
Brad Sewell (shoulder) - 1-2 weeks
Liam Shiels (suspension) - 2 weeks
Wayde Skipper (hamstring) - 5 weeks
Simon Taylor (leg) - 13-15 weeks
FORM
Collingwood: WWL
Hawthorn: WLL
SUMMARY
Collingwood couldn't capitalise on a Nick Riewoldt-less St Kilda for much of last week's clash, while some woeful kicking in front of goal proved decisive in the Pies' 28-point loss. It was a fiery encounter and a disappointing night for Mick Malthouse's side on a number of fronts, as big players went missing at vital stages. Still, the Pies are 2-1 after three rounds and if they can get over the Hawks they'll be well pleased with their opening month to the season.
Hawthorn's form is pretty good despite having won just one match. Like last season, injuries have hurt Alastair Clarkson's team but they are playing decent footy. Suspension will also cut deep this week, with Lance Franklin joining Liam Shiels on the sidelines. Franklin, who booted five goals last time out against Collingwood, kicked 8.6 and 6.4 against the Pies in their 2008 meetings, so much will be left to Jarryd Roughead and smaller options this time around.
PLAYERS TO WATCHDarren Jolly is yet to set the world on fire but this week he gets his chance to put an imprint on the Pies' 2010 season. He started to look better in last week's loss to St Kilda, and if he can't take control against an undermanned Hawks ruck brigade then the Pies might have genuine concerns about his form.
With Franklin serving a suspension, Jarryd Roughead simply must play from the goal square this week. Roughy has looked pretty good in the opening three rounds but surely he doesn't enjoy having to play in the ruck. As the sole forward focus this week, he can command the lion's share of the ball and might thrive with the responsibility.
QUESTION MARKS
Sam Mitchell is Hawthorn's leading possession winner this season but Luke Hodge has proved the real danger man for the Pies in recent encounters. To whom will Collingwood pay most attention at the centre square?
Collingwood couldn't hit the side of a barn last week, booting 4.17 in its loss to the Saints? Will the Pies find their range against the Hawks?
Can anyone at Collingwood stop that man Cyril Rioli? The Hawks dynamo booted four goals and was electrifying despite his side going down to the Bulldogs in round three. Can an Alan Toovey or Heath Shaw nullify his impact inside 50?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
It's difficult to get a good read on both these sides' form, but we'll know a whole lot more after Saturday night despite the Hawks still being well down on manpower.
One can expect the Pies to be ferocious after their disappointing showing against the Saints. They, and their coach, have copped a whack in the media this week, so they'll respond in kind.
The Hawks have had two brutal contests in a row and are again coming off a six-day break. That, combined with the loss of key personal, might swing the balance the Pies' way this time.
PREDICTION:
Collingwood by 12 points
Follow Mark Conway's inside view of Collingwood v Hawthorn at #aflpieshawks on Twitter.com from 7.10pm (EST) Saturday or @AFL_MarkConway#aflpieshawks
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
